San Marcos To Enter Stage 1 Drought Restrictions

“It is essential that all residents do their part to conserve our precious water resources, especially as we head into the hot summer months,” said Tom Taggart, Executive Director of City of San Marcos Public Services.  “We have been lucky the last few years, but it’s important to remember that drought is always just around the corner in our area.”

The City of San Marcos will enter Stage 1 drought restrictions effective July 16 in response to dropping aquifer levels.  The Edwards Aquifer Authority implemented Stage 1 on July 13.  

Stage 1 drought rules restrict use of sprinklers to one day per week on a designated weekday determined by address.  Irrigation using hose-end sprinklers is allowed on the designated weekday before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m.  Irrigation with automatic irrigation systems is allowed on the designated weekday beginning at 8 p.m. and ending the following morning at 8 a.m. 

Hand watering and using soaker hoses or drip irrigation is allowed on any day and at any time. 

Stage 1 rules also limit at-home car washing, washing of impervious surfaces and foundation watering to one day per week.  Wasting water is prohibited. 

Full text of the Stage 1 rules can be found on the City of San Marcos website at www.sanmarcostx.gov/drought.

Stage 1 is implemented when the 10-day average Edwards Aquifer index well level falls below 660 feet above mean sea level (msl).  On July 13^th the 10-day average aquifer level was at 659.9 feet and the daily reading was 658.1 feet.   

“It is essential that all residents do their part to conserve our precious water resources, especially as we head into the hot summer months,” said Tom Taggart, Executive Director of City of San Marcos Public Services.  “We have been lucky the last few years, but it’s important to remember that drought is always just around the corner in our area.”  

For more information please visit the City of San Marcos website or call Jan Klein at 512.393.8310.